Getting Started With Solar Energy At Home

Solar power has grown increasingly popular as of late. Solar energy is great for commercial and residential use, and it also requires very little maintenance. Keep reading to discover how solar energy can benefit you.

The power you get will be determined by how many solar panels you have and their efficiency. Do your homework and determine through your calculations how to get the most out of your panels. It can be better to buy the highest performance panels.

Crystalline Panels

As far as photo-voltaic panels go, two types exist. Poly-crystalline panels are usually less expensive, but they are less efficient than mono-crystalline panels. Invest in the best system you can afford.

Start out small when you begin using solar power. Use solar lights outside to conserve energy. Many different stores carry these, such as Walmart and Lowe’s. Installing this sort of lighting system is a no-brainer. Walk down your garden path and poke the lights into the ground!

Solar Powered

You can protect the planet by using the power of the sun to heat water for your home use. There are many kinds of solar water heaters like the solar powered tankless system and solar powered water tanks. You can put these in a good location positioned on your roof.

Reposition your panels during the year as the seasons change. Panels that do not move must compromise on a position that is optimal for all seasons.

You need to find a backup solution you can use if your panels are not producing any power. Remaining connected to the main power grid is your best option but you could invest in a generator. If you go the generator route, make sure to perform tests on it often and think about getting more than one.

A wonderful long-term investment that can save you money is a solar power system. This can help you go green and reduce your energy bill. Solar panels are not for people who move a lot or are just renting a home with no intention of staying.

Numerous governmental authorities offer tax credits for solar energy installations. You might get as much as 30% of the installation cost back! Just check some online sources or get in touch with a local agency representative to see if you are eligible.

Heating Bill

Solar panels will reduce your heating bill, as will solar water heat producers. Photovoltaic panels are most effective in regions that have a minimum of 5 continuous hours of sunlight. People often see their pool’s heating bill decreased from solar water heating.

Pathway lighting is a quick and easy way to harness solar power. Solar pathway lighting absorb energy from the sun during the day, then use that to light your way through the dark at night. They are simple to install, and provide lots of appeal in outdoor spaces.

Regardless of the type of solar energy system you choose, the panels should always face the sun. The panels must be oriented so that they collect as many of the sun’s rays as possible for maximum energy production.

Keep your distance from pushy solar panel salespeople. These kinds of salespeople are fairly common in the solar power industry. Think about the offers instead of agreeing immediately. A good deal now should still be a good deal later. Hasty decisions are often expensive down the road.

You may want to use solar power if you’re in the southwestern part of the U.S. This region enjoys the greatest sun exposure throughout the year, and therefore makes solar energy a cost-effective proposition. If you haven’t had a chance to investigate the costs, take some time to do so.

Installing solar panels should be considered with the same seriousness that you would give to any other major home construction project. Thoroughly research all the different contractors you can use. When you come up with a list, compare their prices, and don’t be afraid to ask them for references. Read any contracts carefully and if you need to, ask a legal specialist to look at it and make sure you get the most from your money.

If you were open minded when reading this article, you have hopefully become more familiar with solar energy. It is a great way to protect the environment and reduce costs. Use what you’ve just read, and do your part to help the environment while saving money at the same time.